Once you’ve decided on a paint project for your home, your decisions are just beginning! One major decision is what types of paint to use – flat, satin, semi-gloss or eggshell for your project.
First, you can visit your local paint store to help get an idea for your interior color scheme. Take your time and look over the paint chips or consult the fan deck of colors we can provide for you. You can visit the Sherwin- Williams ColorSnap Visualizer. And by all means – read our blog post on choosing interior colors to get inspiring ideas for your the look of your home. After you have made final decisions about your color scheme, you will need to consider the other aspects of the paint(s) you want to use.
What Types of Paint are There? So Much to Choose From
What are my choices? The common choices are flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss. Unless you have previous experience, it can be somewhat confusing to make the right selection. There are certain guidelines that can help you make the best decision for your project. Keep in mind that each room may use a different paint finish. Your choice depends on the activities that take place in the room, humidity factors and even if you have active young children.
Ultimately, it is a personal decision based on what types of paint appeals to you for each area of your project. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, but it pays to know a little bit about each one and how they are best used. The following is a brief guide that will help you make the best choices for your home.
Know Your Finishes
High gloss is the easiest to clean and it is very durable, but it does show imperfections. It is very shiny and light reflecting. However, it has too much shine for interior walls and is best used on cabinets, trim and doors. Just be sure that the glossy finish appeals to you.
Semi-gloss also cleans well and is a good choice for trim, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that need a durable finish. It is specially formulated to stand up to stains. It may show imperfections, but can also be a good choice for playrooms and children’s bedrooms (since kids can be hard on walls)! Semi-gloss provides a slightly higher level of shine than satin and this can help brighten up a room.
Satin is often described as having a velvety appearance. It also stands up well to cleaning. However, because of its glossiness it may show imperfections such as cracks or patched areas on your walls. It is a good choice for your family area, entrance ways and hallways and children’s bedrooms.
Eggshell has a much lower gloss factor and is sometimes compared to a satin finish. It hides wall imperfections, but is best used in areas that don’t take a lot of wear and tear, like living rooms and dining rooms. It can be wiped clean more easily then a flat finish, but it can be hard to touch up.
Non-reflective Paint
Flat or matte paints have the least amount of shine because they soak up the light rather than reflect it, hence the term non-reflective. It provides the best coverage, but it is tough to clean without damaging the paint surface. You should use this in rooms and areas where you expect little wear and tear. Flat paints are easier to apply and are usually less expensive. However, if you like the appearance of a flat paint, it is important to note that some higher end flat paints are specially formulated and are washable.
For ceilings, flat/matte finishes are what most professional painters choose. Because it doesn’t reflect light, there is no glare from the lighting in the room. It also hides imperfections in the ceiling such as warping or nicks. However, satin can be a good choice for brightening up a dark room.
Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions about the properties of paint, the types of paint available or you are just interested in furthering your knowledge, visit Sherwin- Williams Gloss and Sheen Guide. And remember, whatever type of paint finish you choose, your newly painted home is bound to bring a smile to our face. ColaTown Painting is here to help you with all your decisions from start to finish.
Call Britt 803-603-6486 or e-mail us at ellisb@colatownpainting.com for a free, no-obligation estimate.
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